is a
prefectureThe prefectures of Japan are the country's 47 subnational jurisdictions: one "metropolis" , Tokyo; one "circuit" , Hokkaidō; two urban prefectures , Osaka and Kyoto; and 43 other prefectures . In Japanese, they are commonly referred to as...
located in the
ChūbuThe is the central region of Honshū, Japan's main island. Chūbu has a population estimate of 21,886,324 as of 2008.Chūbu, which means "central region", encompasses nine prefectures : Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, Yamanashi, and often Mie.It is located directly...
region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of
Gifuis a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
.
Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the
NakasendōThe , also called the , was one of the five routes of the Edo period, and one of the two that connected Edo to Kyoto in Japan. There were 69 stations between Edo and Kyoto, crossing through Musashi, Kōzuke, Shinano, Mino and Ōmi provinces...
. During the
Sengoku periodThe or Warring States period in Japanese history was a time of social upheaval, political intrigue, and nearly constant military conflict that lasted roughly from the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century. The name "Sengoku" was adopted by Japanese historians in reference...
, many people referred to Gifu by saying, "control Gifu and you control Japan."
History
The land area that makes up modern-day Gifu became part of the
Yamato CourtThe is the period of Japanese history when the Japanese Imperial court ruled from modern-day Nara Prefecture, then known as Yamato Province.While conventionally assigned to the period 250–710 , the actual start of Yamato rule is disputed...
around the middle of the fourth century. Because it is in the middle of the island of
Honshūis the largest island of Japan. The nation's main island, it is south of Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait, north of Shikoku across the Inland Sea, and northeast of Kyushu across the Kanmon Strait...
, it has been the site of many decisive battles throughout Japan's history, the oldest major one being the
Jinshin WarThe was a succession dispute in Japan which broke out in 672 following the death of Emperor Tenji. The name refers to the jinshin or ninth year of the sixty-year Jikkan Jūnishi calendrical cycle, corresponding to the Western year 673....
in 672, which led to the establishment of
Emperor Temmuwas the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
as the 40th emperor of Japan.
The area of Gifu Prefecture consists of the old provinces of
Hidais an old province located in the area of Gifu Prefecture. It was sometimes called . The province was in the Tōsandō area of central Honshu.-History:...
and
Mino, one of the old provinces of Japan, encompassed part of modern-day Gifu Prefecture. It was sometimes called . Mino Province bordered Echizen, Hida, Ise, Mikawa, Ōmi, Owari, and Shinano Provinces....
, as well as smaller parts of
Echizenwas an old province of Japan, which is today the northern part of Fukui Prefecture. It was sometimes called , with Etchū and Echigo Provinces.Echizen is famous for washi . A text dated AD 774 mentions the washi made in this area. Echizen-produced Washi is still the most commonly sold traditional...
and
Shinanoor is an old province of Japan that is now present day Nagano Prefecture.Shinano bordered on Echigo, Etchū, Hida, Kai, Kōzuke, Mikawa, Mino, Musashi, Suruga, and Tōtōmi Provinces...
. The name of the prefecture derives from its capital city,
Gifuis a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
, which was named by
Oda Nobunagawas the initiator of the unification of Japan under the shogunate in the late 16th century, which ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He was also a major daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. His opus was continued, completed and finalized by his successors Toyotomi...
during his campaign to unify all of Japan in 1567. The first character used comes from Qishan (
岐山), a legendary mountain from which most of China was unified, whereas the second character comes from
QufuQufu is a city in southwestern Shandong province, People's Republic of China. It is located at 35° 36′ northern latitude and 117° 02′ east, about south of the provincial capital Jinan and northeast of the prefecture seat at Jining...
(曲
阜), the birthplace of
ConfuciusConfucius , literally "Master Kong", was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period....
. Nobunaga chose those characters because he wanted to unify all of Japan and he wanted to be viewed as a great mind.
Historically, the prefecture served as the center of swordmaking in all of Japan, with
Sekiis a city located in Gifu, Japan.The city was founded on October 15, 1950.On February 7, 2005, the municipalities of Horado, Itadori, Kaminoho, Mugegawa and Mugi, all part of Mugi District, were merged into the present-day city...
being known for making the best swords in Japan. More recently, its strengths have been in fashion (primarily in the city of Gifu) and aerospace engineering (
Kakamigaharais a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan. It was founded on 1 April 1963 by the merger of Naka, Sohara, Unuma, and Inaba. Kakamigahara covers a total area of...
).
On October 28, 1891, the present-day city of
Motosuis a city located in the south west of Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 34,997. The total area is 374.57 km².-History:On October 28, 1891, the Mino-Owari earthquake, the largest earthquake to hit Japan, struck...
was the
epicenterThe epicenter or epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the hypocenter or focus, the point where an earthquake or underground explosion originates...
for the
Mino-Owari earthquakeThe was a large earthquake that struck the former provinces of Mino and Owari in the Nōbi Plain area during the Meiji period in Japan. It is also referred to as the Nōbi Earthquake or the Great Nōbi Earthquake . It is the largest known inland earthquake in Japan.-History:The earthquake struck on...
, the second largest earthquake to ever hit Japan. The earthquake, estimated at 8.0 earthquake, left a huge cleft in the ground that can still be seen today.
Geography
One of the few landlocked prefectures in Japan, Gifu shares borders with seven other prefectures:
Aichiis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :...
,
Fukuiis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Fukui.- Prehistory :The Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry, on the Sugiyama River within the city limits of Katsuyama, has yielded the Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis and Fukuisaurus tetoriensis as well as an unnamed...
,
Ishikawais a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshū island. The capital is Kanazawa.- History :Ishikawa was formed from the merger of Kaga Province and the smaller Noto Province.- Geography :Ishikawa is on the Sea of Japan coast...
,
Mieis a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
,
Naganois a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of the island of Honshū. The capital is the city of Nagano.- History :Nagano was formerly known as the province of Shinano...
,
Shigais a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established...
and
Toyamais a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
. Japan's postal codes all start with a three-digit number, ranging from 001 to 999. Part of Gifu has the 500 prefix, reflecting its location in the center of Japan.
The center of Japanese population is currently located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The center of population is a hypothetical point at which a country is perfectly balanced assuming each person has a uniform weight. The spot was calculated using the 2005 census.
Regions
Gifu has five unofficial regions, which allows local municipalities to work together to promote the surrounding area. The five regions are
Seinōis the southwestern portion of Gifu Prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan. Before Gifu became a prefecture, the area was part of Mino Province. The Seinō region received its name as a combination of the kanji for "west" and "Mino" and is sometimes referred to by the unabbreviated name of Nishi...
,
Gifuis the southcentral portion of Gifu Prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan. It shares its name with the prefecture and the capital city of Gifu. The borders of this region are not officially set, but it generally consists of the following cities and towns: Gifu, Kakamigahara, Hashima, Mizuho,...
,
ChūnōChuño is a freeze-dried potato product traditionally made by Quechua and Aymara communities of Bolivia and Peru, and is known in various countries of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru...
,
TōnōTono can refer to:Locations*Bay of Tono, in Italy*Tono River, in East Timor*Tōno, Iwate, a city in Japan*Tōnō, a region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan*Tono, Washington, a town in Washington, USA*Pasar Tono, a town in East TimorPeople...
and
Hidais the northern portion of Gifu Prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan. The Hida region received its name because the area was formerly part of Hida Province, before the formation of prefectures in Japan. The borders of this region are not officially set, but it generally consists of the following...
. The borders of the regions are loosely defined, but they are usually delineated among major cities.
Topography
The northern
Hida regionis the northern portion of Gifu Prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan. The Hida region received its name because the area was formerly part of Hida Province, before the formation of prefectures in Japan. The borders of this region are not officially set, but it generally consists of the following...
is dominated by tall mountains, including parts of the
Japanese AlpsThe is a series of mountain ranges in Japan that bisect the main island of Honshū. The name was coined by William Gowland, the "Father of Japanese Archaeology," and later popularized by Reverend Walter Weston , an English missionary for whom a memorial plaque is located at Kamikochi, a tourist...
. The southern
Mino, one of the old provinces of Japan, encompassed part of modern-day Gifu Prefecture. It was sometimes called . Mino Province bordered Echizen, Hida, Ise, Mikawa, Ōmi, Owari, and Shinano Provinces....
region is mostly parts of the fertile
Nōbi PlainThe is a large plain in Japan that stretches from the Mino area of southwest Gifu Prefecture to the Owari area of northwest Aichi Prefecture, covering an area of approximately . It is an alluvial plain created by the Kiso Three Rivers and has very fertile soil...
, a vast plains area with arable soil. Most of the prefecture's population lives in the southern part of the prefecture, near the designated city of
Nagoyais the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan.Located on the Pacific coast in the Chūbu region on central Honshu, it is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and is one of Japan's major ports along with those of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama, Chiba, and Moji...
.
The mountainous Hida region contains both the
Hida MountainsThe , or , is a Japanese mountain range which stretches through Nagano, Toyama and Gifu prefectures. A small portion of the mountains also reach into Niigata Prefecture. William Gowland coined the phrase "Japanese Alps" during his time in Japan, but he was only referring to the Hida Mountains when...
,which are referred to as the "Northern Alps," and the
Kiso Mountainsare a mountain range in Nagano and Gifu prefectures in Japan. They are also called the and they combine with the Hida Mountains and the Akaishi Mountains to form a group collectively known as the Japanese Alps.- Outline :...
, which are known as the "Central Alps" in Japan. The
Ryōhaku MountainsThe are a mountain range spanning Gifu, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui and Shiga prefectures in Japan. It is divided into the Kaetsu Mountains , whose major peak is Mount Haku, and the Etsumi Mountains , whose major peak is Mount Nōgōhaku. The range derives its name from the two major peaks, which both...
are also located in the Hida region. Other major ranges include the
Ibuki MountainsThe are a mountain range straddling the border between Gifu and Shiga prefectures in Japan. After lowering and nearly disappearing in Shiga Prefecture, the range continues as the Suzuka Mountains...
and the
Yōrō MountainsThe are a mountain range straddling the border between Gifu and Mie prefectures in Japan. They form part of the western border of the Nōbi Plain.-Geography:...
.
Much of the Mino region is made up of the
alluvial plainAn alluvial plain is a relatively flat landform created by the deposition of sediment over a long period of time by one or more rivers coming from highland regions, from which alluvial soil forms...
of the
Kiso Three RiversThe refers to the three major rivers that make up the alluvial plain area of the Nōbi Plain of Japan. The three rivers are the Kiso River, the Ibi River and the Nagara River...
, which are the
Ibi RiverThe is a tributary of the Kiso River located in Gifu and Mie Prefectures in Japan. Along with the Nagara and Kiso rivers, the Ibi is the third of the Kiso Three Rivers of the Nōbi Plain. It is one of Japan's first-class rivers...
,
Kiso RiverThe is a river in Japan roughly 193 km long, flowing through the prefectures of Nagano, Gifu, Aichi, and Mie before emptying into Ise Bay a short distance away from the city of Nagoya. It is the main river of the Kiso Three Rivers and forms a major part of the Nōbi Plain...
and
Nagara RiverThe has its source in the city of Gujō, Gifu Prefecture, and its mouth in the city of Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Along with the Kiso River and Ibi River, the Nagara River is one of the Kiso Three Rivers of the Nōbi Plain. Previously, the river was named Sunomata River . With a length of , it...
. The source for all three rivers is located in Nagano Prefecture and they eventually run through Aichi and Mie prefectures before emptying into
Ise BayIse Bay is a bay located at the mouth of the Kiso River between Mie and Aichi Prefectures in Japan. Ise Bay has an average depth of 19.5 metres and a maximum depth of 30 metres toward the centre. The mouth of the bay is 9 kilometres wide and is connected to the smaller Mikawa Bay by two channels:...
. Other major rivers in the prefecture include the
JinzūThe is a river that flows from Gifu Prefecture to Toyama Prefecture in Japan. It is called Miya River in Gifu. It is in length and has a watershed of .-Geography:...
,
TakaharaThe has its source at Mount Norikura in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and flows into Toyama Prefecture, where it joins with the Jinzū River...
,
ShōThe has its source in Mount Eboshi in the Shōkawa-chō area of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. After flowing for through the northern part of Gifu Prefecture and the western part of Toyama Prefecture, it empties into Toyama Bay....
,
ShōnaiThe is a Class 1 river flowing through Gifu and Aichi prefectures in Japan. In Gifu Prefecture, it is also referred to as the Toki River ; around the city of Kasugai in Aichi Prefecture, it is referred to as the Tamano River .-Geography:The river originates at Mount Yūdachi in Ena, Gifu Prefecture...
,
YahagiThe is a river that flows from Nagano Prefecture's Mount Ōkawairi, through Gifu Prefecture, and enters Mikawa Bay from Aichi Prefecture in Japan. It is one of Japan's first-class rivers.-Geography:...
and
ItoshiroThe is a river through Gifu and Fukui prefectures in Japan.-Geography:The Ishitoro River flows from Mount Chōshi on the borders of Gujō and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture and flows south before emptying into the Kuzuryū River near Ōno in Fukui Prefecture.There are two majors damns along the river,...
rivers.
Weather
Because the Mino region is surrounded by low mountains, the temperature fluctuates through the year, from hot summers to cold winters. The eastern city of
Tajimiis a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 112,165, with 40,413 number of households. The total area is 91.24 km²....
, for example, often records the hottest temperature in Japan each year. On August 16, 2007, it set the record for the hottest day recorded in Japan's history—40.9 degrees Celsius. Summers are hotter, as the landlocked area becomes a heat island, and the temperature rises even further when hot, dry foehn winds blow over the Ibuki Mountains from the Kansai region. The Hida region, with its higher elevation, is generally cooler than the Mino region, although there are sometimes extremely hot days there, too.
Shōkawa-chōwas a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.On February 1, 2005 Shōkawa, along with the town of Kuguno, and the villages of Asahi, Kiyomi, Miya, Nyūkawa and Takane, all from Ōno District, the town of Kokufu, and the village of Kamitakara, from Yoshiki District, was merged into the...
, part of the city of
Takayamais a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of July, 2011 the city has an estimated population of 92,369. The total area is .Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. Takayama is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the...
, is located up in the mountains, and its location has led it to be called the coldest inhabited place on Honshū.
Municipalities
All of the cities, towns, villages and districts of Gifu Prefecture are listed below
Cities
Twenty-one cities are located in Gifu Prefecture:
- Ena
is a city located in the Tōnō region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 53,378. The total area is 504.19 km²....
- Gero
is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is famous for its hot springs. The Hida River runs throughout the city.-History:The city was established on March 1, 2004 by the merger of the towns of Gero, Hagiwara, Kanayama and Osaka, and the village of Maze, all from Mashita...
- Gifu
is a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
(capital)
- Gujō
is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 43,960. The total area is 1,030.79 km².-History:...
- Hashima
is a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan.Hashima covers a total area of 87.77 km². As of July 2011 the city has an estimated population of 67,041 inhabitants.The city was founded on 1 April 1954.-External links:*...
- Hida
is the northernmost city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It received its name from the historical province of Hida Province, which was centered around the same area.The official kanji for the city is actually 飛驒, which uses the old rendering of the 騨 character...
- Kakamigahara
is a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan. It was founded on 1 April 1963 by the merger of Naka, Sohara, Unuma, and Inaba. Kakamigahara covers a total area of...
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Kaniis a city located in Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 97,435. The total area is 87.60 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1982 when the gained city status. The town of Kani was formed in 1955 by a merger of 7 towns and villages in the western part of Kani...
Kaizuis a city located in the southwest portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Most of the city is located at sea level and is well-known for levees surrounding the area. The city was formed on March 28, 2005 through a merger of the towns of Kaizu, Hirata and Nannō, all belonging to Kaizu...
Minois a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan.Founded on 1 April 1954, Mino covers a total area of 117.05 km². As of July 2011 the city had an estimated population of 22,447 inhabitants....
Minokamois a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and was formed on April 1, 1954.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 54,944. The total area is 74.81 km².-Rail:*JR Central:**Takayama Main Line: Mino-Ōta Station, Kobi Station...
Mizuhois a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 52,269, with the number of households being 19,567...
Mizunamiis a city located in the Tōnō region of Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 40,030. The total area is 175.00 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1954....
Motosuis a city located in the south west of Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 34,997. The total area is 374.57 km².-History:On October 28, 1891, the Mino-Owari earthquake, the largest earthquake to hit Japan, struck...
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Nakatsugawa is a city located in the Tōnō region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1952.-History:During Japan's Edo period, Nakatsugawa was a post town, known as Nakatsugawa-juku, one of the 69 Stations of the Nakasendō along the Nakasendō. The travel route ran from the Nihonbashi in...
Ōgakiis a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1918. As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 160,999 and a total area of .Ōgaki was the final destination for the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō...
Sekiis a city located in Gifu, Japan.The city was founded on October 15, 1950.On February 7, 2005, the municipalities of Horado, Itadori, Kaminoho, Mugegawa and Mugi, all part of Mugi District, were merged into the present-day city...
Tajimiis a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 112,165, with 40,413 number of households. The total area is 91.24 km²....
Takayamais a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of July, 2011 the city has an estimated population of 92,369. The total area is .Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. Takayama is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the...
Tokiis a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is located on the Honshū island, to the southeast of Gifu City, the prefectural capital. The Toki River runs through the downtown area. Toki is known as one of the largest producers of Japanese pottery. The products made in the region are generally...
Yamagatais a city located in Gifu, Japan.-History:The city was established on April 1, 2003, by merger of the towns of Miyama and Takatomi, and the village of Ijira, all from Yamagata District.-External links:*...
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Towns and villages
Towns and villages in each
districtThe was most recently used as an administrative unit in Japan between 1878 and 1921 and is roughly equivalent to the county of the United States, ranking at the level below prefecture and above city, town or village. As of 2008, cities belong directly to prefectures and are independent from...
:
- Anpachi District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the district has an estimated population of 45,152. The total area is 62.71 km².-Merger:...
- Anpachi
is a town located in the Anpachi District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 15,274. The total area of the town is 18.19 km². The Solar Ark, an over 300m long photovoltaic power generation facility is located in the town....
- Gōdo
is a town located in Anpachi District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is located in the southwestern portion of the prefecture and is well-known for its various flora, including roses and pines., the town has an estimated population of 19,902...
- Wanouchi
is a small town located in Anpachi District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 9,976. The total area is 22.36 km².- History :...
- Fuwa District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the district has an estimated population of 36,426. The total area is 106.43 km²....
- Sekigahara
is a town located in Fuwa District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 7,965. The total area is 49.29 km².In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahara took place here.-History:...
- Tarui
is a town located in Fuwa District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 28,461. The total area is 57.14 km².- Railroad :*JR Tōkai**Tōkaidō Main Line - Tarui Station-External links:*...
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- Hashima District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan., the district has an estimated population of 46,685. The total area is 18.26 km².-Mergers:*On November 1, 2004 the town of Kawashima merged into the expanded city of Kakamigahara....
Ginanis a town located in Hashima District, Gifu, Japan., the town has an estimated population of 23,856. The total area is 7.90 km².-External links:*...
Kasamatsuis a town located in Hashima District, Gifu, Japan., the town has an estimated population of 22,829. The total area is 10.36 km². The town of Kasamatsu was created in July 1889 when the village of Kasamatsu gained town status.-External links:*...
- Ibi District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan., the district has an estimated population of 72,109. The total area is 876.65 km².The area of the former village of Tokuyama in this district will be flooded by the Tokuyama Dam.-District Timeline:...
Ibigawais a town located in Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.On January 31, 2005 the former villages of Fujihashi, Kasuga, Kuze, Sakauchi, and Tanigumi merged with Ibigawa, resulting in a nearly 20-fold increase in area....
Ikedais a town located in Ibi District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 24,915. The total area is 38.79 km².- Railway :*Yōrō Railway** Yōrō Line: - - -External links:*...
Ōnois a town located in Ibi District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 23,796. The total area is 34.18 km².-External links:*...
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- Kamo District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan.As of Jul, 2011 the district has an estimated population of 52,536. The total area is 615.17 km².-Towns and villages:*Hichisō*Higashishirakawa*Kawabe*Sakahogi*Shirakawa*Tomika*Yaotsu-District Timeline:...
Hichisōis a town located in Kamo District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 4,379. The total area is 90.47 km².- Railroad :*JR Central**Takayama Main Line - Kamiasō Station-External links:*...
Higashishirakawais a village located in Kamo District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the village has an estimated population of 2,480. The total area is 87.11 km².-External links:*...
Kawabeis a town located in Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is well known for the lake at Kawabe Dam along the Hida River. The town was founded in 1897.- Railroad :*JR Central**Takayama Main Line - Nakakawabe, Shimoasō-External links:*...
Sakahogiis a town located in Kamo District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 8,443. The total area is 12.89 km². The town was formed in 1968.-History:Sakahogi was formed on October 1, 1968 when the village of gained town status...
Shirakawa
Tomikais a town located in Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.-History:Tomika was originally established as a village in 1954, when the villages of Tomida and Kajita merged. It received town status in 1974...
Yaotsuis a town located in Kamo District, Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 11,855. The total area is 128.81 km².Yaotsu was the birthplace of Chiune Sugihara and is home to the Chiune Sugihara Memorial.-External links:...
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- Kani District
is a district located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. As of July 2011, the district has an estimated population of 18,709. The total area is 56.61 km².There only one town left in the district, Mitake.-District Timeline:...
Mitakeis a town located in Kani District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the town had an estimated population of 18,709. The total area is 56.61 km².-Rail:*Nagoya Railroad**Hiromi Line - Gōdo, Mitakeguchi, Mitake-External links:*...
- Motosu District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011 the district has an estimated population of 18,389. The total area is 5.17 km².The district has only one town.*Kitagata-District Timeline:*April 1, 1959-**The village of Shinsei gained town status....
Kitagatais a town located in Motosu District, Gifu, Japan.As of 2011, the town has an estimated population of 18,389. The total area is 5.17 km². The town is completely surrounded by the three cities of Gifu, Motosu and Mizuho.-External links:*...
- Ōno District
is a district of Japan in Gifu Prefecture.The district is in a mountainous region near the geographic centre of Japan. Prior to 1 February 2005, the district comprised seven small communities, but on that day six of them merged into the expanded city of Takayama...
Shirakawais a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for being the site of Shirakawa-gō, a small, traditional village showcasing a style of buildings called gasshō-zukuri....
- Yōrō District
is a district located in Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the district has an estimated population of 31,058. The total area is 195.52 km².-Merger:*On March 27, 2006, the town of Kamiishizu, along with the town of Sunomata from Anpachi District, merged into the city of Ōgaki....
Yōrōis a town located in Yōrō District, Gifu, Japan, on the eastern side of the Yōrō Mountains.As of July 2011, the town has an estimated population of 31,058. The total area is 72.14 km²...
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Economy
Traditional industries such as paper-making and agriculture are found in Gifu, but its economy is dominated by manufacturing including aerospace and automotive, with industrial complexes extending from the Nagoya area. A wealth of small component manufacturing is also found, such as precision machine, dye and mold making, and plastic forming.
Traditional industries
The Mino region has long been known for its high-quality paper called
Mino washiis a type of Japanese paper created in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In 1985, it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry .-History:...
, which is stronger and thinner than most other papers in Japan, and was used by the Japanese military during World War II. Other paper-based products include
Gifu Lanterns, or Gifu Paper Lanterns, are a special product of the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts...
and
Gifu Umbrellas, or Gifu Japanese Umbrellas, are a special product of the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts.-History:...
, made in the prefectural capital of
Gifuis a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
. Other traditional goods include
mino-yaki pottery in
Tajimiis a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 112,165, with 40,413 number of households. The total area is 91.24 km²....
,
Tokiis a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is located on the Honshū island, to the southeast of Gifu City, the prefectural capital. The Toki River runs through the downtown area. Toki is known as one of the largest producers of Japanese pottery. The products made in the region are generally...
, and
Mizunamiis a city located in the Tōnō region of Gifu, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 40,030. The total area is 175.00 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1954....
,
cutleryCutlery refers to any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food in the Western world. It is more usually known as silverware or flatware in the United States, where cutlery can have the more specific meaning of knives and other cutting instruments. This is probably the...
in
Sekiis a city located in Gifu, Japan.The city was founded on October 15, 1950.On February 7, 2005, the municipalities of Horado, Itadori, Kaminoho, Mugegawa and Mugi, all part of Mugi District, were merged into the present-day city...
, and
lacquerwareLacquerware are objects decoratively covered with lacquer. The lacquer is sometimes inlaid or carved. Lacquerware includes boxes, tableware, buttons and even coffins painted with lacquer in cultures mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere.-History:...
in
Takayamais a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of July, 2011 the city has an estimated population of 92,369. The total area is .Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. Takayama is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the...
.
Because Gifu has vast, arable plains, agriculture is also a major industry. The forests in the north provide materials for woodworking and for the viewing boats used in
cormorant fishinghas played a vital role in the history of the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Throughout its long history, it evolved from a means to live, to a profitable industry, to a major tourist draw...
.
Sake is often brewed with clear water from the rivers.
Modern industries
Kakamigaharais a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan. It was founded on 1 April 1963 by the merger of Naka, Sohara, Unuma, and Inaba. Kakamigahara covers a total area of...
has a large role in the prefecture's modern industries. It boasts large aerospace facilities of both
Kawasaki Heavy Industriesis an international corporation based in Japan. It has headquarters in both Chūō-ku, Kobe and Minato, Tokyo.The company is named after its founder Shōzō Kawasaki and has no connection with the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa....
and
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, or MHI, is a Japanese company. It is one of the core companies of Mitsubishi Group.-History:In 1870 Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of Mitsubishi took a lease of Government-owned Nagasaki Shipyard. He named it Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, and started the shipbuilding business on a full scale...
, as well as many
metalworkingMetalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engine parts and delicate jewelry. It therefore includes a correspondingly wide range of skills,...
and
manufacturingManufacturing is the use of machines, tools and labor to produce goods for use or sale. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high tech, but is most commonly applied to industrial production, in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale...
companies.
Information technology (IT) is gaining a foothold in the prefecture with both Softopia Japan in
Ōgakiis a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1918. As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 160,999 and a total area of .Ōgaki was the final destination for the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō...
and VR Techno Japan (part of Techno Plaza) in Kakamigahara. The capital city of Gifu, located between Ōgaki and Kakamigahara, is also working to strengthen its IT fields, too.
Tourism
Gifu has many popular tourist attractions, bringing visitors to all parts of the prefecture. The most popular places are Gifu,
Gerois a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is famous for its hot springs. The Hida River runs throughout the city.-History:The city was established on March 1, 2004 by the merger of the towns of Gero, Hagiwara, Kanayama and Osaka, and the village of Maze, all from Mashita...
,
Shirakawais a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for being the site of Shirakawa-gō, a small, traditional village showcasing a style of buildings called gasshō-zukuri....
and
Takayamais a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of July, 2011 the city has an estimated population of 92,369. The total area is .Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. Takayama is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the...
. Gifu is famous for
cormorant fishinghas played a vital role in the history of the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Throughout its long history, it evolved from a means to live, to a profitable industry, to a major tourist draw...
, which has a history of over 1,300 years, as for being a long-term residence of both Oda Nobunaga and
Saitō Dōsanwas a daimyo who dramatically rose and also fell from power in Sengoku period Japan. He was also known as the for his ruthless tactics.-Life:Originally a wealthy merchant from Yamashiro Province , he entered the service of Nagai Nagahiro of Mino Province , assuming the name Nishimura Kankurô.He...
. Gero is known for its relaxing
hot springA hot spring is a spring that is produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater from the Earth's crust. There are geothermal hot springs in many locations all over the crust of the earth.-Definitions:...
s, which attract visitors throughout the year. Shirakawa's
historic villagesThe Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site is located in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in northern Japan. Shirakawa-gō is located in the village of Shirakawa in Gifu Prefecture...
are a UNESCO
World Heritage SiteA UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
. Takayama is famous for retaining its original appearance and is often referred to as
Little Kyotois a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
.
In addition to international tourists, Gifu also plays host to many international events. The World Event and Convention Complex Gifu is available for many types of events. Other areas of Gifu, too, bring international events. The
World Rowing ChampionshipsThe World Rowing Championships is an international rowing regatta organized by FISA . It is a week long event held at the end of the northern hemisphere summer and in non-Olympic years is the highlight of the international rowing calendar.The first event was held in Lucerne, Switzerland in 1962...
were held in the city of
Kaizuis a city located in the southwest portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Most of the city is located at sea level and is well-known for levees surrounding the area. The city was formed on March 28, 2005 through a merger of the towns of Kaizu, Hirata and Nannō, all belonging to Kaizu...
in 2005. The
FIS Snowboard World CupThe FIS Snowboard World Cup is an annual snowboarding competition, arranged by the International Ski Federation since 1998.-Overall:-Giant Slalom:-Slalom:-Halfpipe:-Snowboard Cross:-Parallel Slalom / Parallel Giant Slalom:-Overall:...
was held in the city of
Gujois a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 43,960. The total area is 1,030.79 km².-History:...
in 2008. The APEC Japan 2010 SME Ministerial Meetings were held in Gifu City.
Science
The Kamioka area of the city of
Hidais the northernmost city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It received its name from the historical province of Hida Province, which was centered around the same area.The official kanji for the city is actually 飛驒, which uses the old rendering of the 騨 character...
is home to the
Super-KamiokandeSuper-Kamiokande is a neutrino observatory which is under Mount Kamioka near the city of Hida, Gifu Prefecture, Japan...
and KamLAND experiments, neutrino and antineutrino observatories, respectively. Located 1000 m (3,281 ft) underground in Kamioka Mining and Smelting Co.'s Mozumi Mine, the detector searches for neutrinos (and antineutrinos) from the high atmosphere, the sun and supernovae, and for KamLAND, from regional nuclear reactors. The Super-Kamiokande consists of a cylindrical stainless steel tank that is 41.4 m (135.8 ft) tall and 39.3 m (128.9 ft) in diameter holding 50,000 tons of ultra-pure water. Some of the 11,146 photomultiplier tubes are on display at the
Miraikan in Tokyo. The same facility also hosts
CLIOCLIO is the Cryogenic Laser Interferometer Observatory, a prototype detector for gravitational waves. It is testing cryogenic mirror technologies for the future Large Cryogenic Gravity Telescope ....
, a prototype detector for gravitational waves.
Demographics
The prefecture's population was 2,101,969, as of September 1, 2007, with approximately 1.8 million people in the cities and the rest in towns and villages. The percentage of male and female residents is 48.4% and 51.6%, respectively. 14.4% of the population is no more than 14 years old, with 22.1% of the population being at least 65 years old.
According to Japan's census, the country's
center of populationIn demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
is located in Gifu Prefecture. In 2000, it was located in the former town of Mugi, which has since merged with
Sekiis a city located in Gifu, Japan.The city was founded on October 15, 1950.On February 7, 2005, the municipalities of Horado, Itadori, Kaminoho, Mugegawa and Mugi, all part of Mugi District, were merged into the present-day city...
. In the most recent census in 2005, the center of population has moved slightly more to the east, but is still located within Gifu.
Education
- Asahi University
is a private university in Mizuho, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The school was first founded in 1971 as Gifu Dental University . It was renamed Asahi University in 1985 when the management department was added.-External links:*...
- Chubu Gakuin University
is a private university at Seki, Gifu, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1918.-External links:*...
- Chukyo Gakuin University
is a private university at Nakatsugawa, Gifu, Japan. The school was founded as a junior college in 1966 and became a four-year college in 1993.-External links:*...
- Gifu City Women's College
is a public college in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, founded in 1946. Its abbreviated name is Gijotan .-Academic departments:*Department of English*Department of International Culture Studies*Department of Food and Nutrition...
- Gifu College of Nursing
is a public university at Hashima, Gifu, Japan, established in 2000.-External links:*...
- Gifu Keizai University
is a private university at Ogaki, Gifu, Japan, founded in 1967.-External links:*...
- Gifu Pharmaceutical University
is a municipal university located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1932, and it was chartered as a university in 1949.-International exchanges:...
- Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University
is a private university in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The school was founded in 1972 as the and adopted the present name in 1998. Its name is sometimes abbreviated to Shōtoku or Gishōdai . It has main campuses in both Gifu and nearby Hashima, as well as a junior college campus in...
- Gifu University
is a national university in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is sometimes abbreviated as Gidai or Gifudai , with "Gifudai" being the abbreviation most commonly used throughout Japan.-Faculties and graduate schools:...
- Gifu University of Medical Science
is a private university in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, established in 2006.-External links:*...
- Gifu Women's University
is a four-year private university in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and founded in 1968. Its name is abbreviated as Gifu Joshi Dai or G.W.U.-External links:*...
- Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences
or IAMAS is a public university at Ogaki, Gifu, Japan, founded in 2001.-External links:*...
- Tokai Gakuin University
is a private university in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The predecessor of the school, founded in 1961, was chartered as in 1981. In 2007, the school adopted the present name.-External links:*...
Rail
- JR Central
- Tokaido Shinkansen – Gifu-Hashima Station
is a train station in Hashima, Gifu, Japan on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. The station opened on October 1, 1964.Gifu-Hashima is the sole Shinkansen station in Gifu Prefecture...
- Tokaido Line
- Takayama Line
- Chuo Line
Chūō Line can refer to several train lines in Japan:*Chūō Main Line between Tokyo and Nagoya**Chūō Line , rapid service on the Chūō Main Line in Tokyo**Chūō-Sōbu Line, local service on the Chūō Main Line in Tokyo*Chūō Line , a subway in Osaka...
- Taita Line
The is part of the Central Japan Railway Company network in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It operates from Tajimi Station in the city of Tajimi through Kani to Mino-Ōta Station in Minokamo...
- Meitetsu
- Nagoya Line
- Kakamigahara Line
The is a railway line in Gifu Prefecture, Japan operated by Nagoya Railroad between Meitetsu-Gifu Station in the city of Gifu and Shin-Unuma Station in Kakamigahara.- Stations :● L: ● S: ● E: ● MU:...
- Hashima Line
The is a Japanese railway line entirely within Hashima, Gifu Prefecture. It is owned and run by Nagoya Railroad .-Stations:...
- Takehana Line
The is a Japanese railway line connecting Kasamatsu with Hashima within Gifu Prefecture. It is owned and run by Nagoya Railroad .-History:...
- Hiromi Line
The is a Japanese railway line operated by Nagoya Railroad that runs from Inuyama Station in Inuyama, Aichi to Mitake Station in Mitake, Gifu. From 2007, all stations from Inuyama to Shin Kani accept the Tranpass prepaid magnetic card.- Stations :● RLE: ● LE:...
- Inuyama Line
The is a Japanese railway line operated by Nagoya Railroad that runs from the Biwajima Junction in Kiyosu, Aichi to Shin-Unuma Station in Kakamigahara, Gifu.- Stations :● ● ● ● ● ● ●...
- Yoro Railway
- Nagaragawa Railway
- Tarumi Railway
- Akechi Railway
Expressway and Toll Road
- Meishin Expressway
The is a toll expressway in Japan. It runs from a junction with the Tomei Expressway in Nagakute, Aichi west to Nishinomiya, Hyōgo . It is the main road link between Osaka and Nagoya, and, along with the Tōmei Expressway, forms the main road link between Osaka and Tokyo...
- Chuo Expressway
The is a national expressway in Japan. It is owned and operated by Central Nippon Expressway Company.-Naming:Officially the expressway is designated as the Chūō Expressway Nishinomiya Route , the Chūō Expressway Nagano Route , and the Chūō Expressway Fujiyoshida Route The (lit. Central...
- Tokai Hokuriku Expressway
The is a national expressway in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshū in Japan. It is managed by Central Nippon Expressway Company.-Overview:Tōkai and Hokuriku are the names of the two regions of Japan that are linked by the expressway....
- Tokai Loop Expressway
The is a toll road in the Tōkai region of Japan. It is owned and managed by Central Nippon Expressway Company.-Naming:Officially, the route is designated as National Route 475...
- Chubu Jukan Expressway
- Hakusan Forest Road
- Mount Ibuki Toll Road
- Nagaragawa Riversideway
National Highway
- Route 19
National Route 19 is a national highway connecting Nagoya and Nagano in Japan.-Route Data:*Length: 258.9 km *Origin: Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Nagoya *Terminus: Nagano City...
- Route 21
is a national highway connecting Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture and Maibara, Shiga Prefecture in Japan.-Route Data:*Length: *Origin: Mizunami *Terminus: Maibara...
- Route 22
is a national highway connecting Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and Gifu, Gifu Prefecture in Japan. The route follows the old Minoji, a 17th century trade route that connected the Nakasendō and the Tōkaidō.-Route data:*Length:...
- Route 41
is a national highway connecting Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and Toyama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The bulk of the road run throughs Gifu Prefecture. The route is also referred to as Yon-ichi and Shippin, based on the Japanese readings for the route numbering....
- Route 156
- Route 157
- Route 158
- Route 248
- Route 256
- Route 257
- Route 258
- Route 303
- Route 360
- Route 361
- Route 363
- Route 365
- Route 417
- Route 418
- Route 419
- Route 471
- Route 472
- Route 475
The is a toll road in the Tōkai region of Japan. It is owned and managed by Central Nippon Expressway Company.-Naming:Officially, the route is designated as National Route 475...
Prefectural symbols
Gifu's symbol comes from the first character
gi (岐) of its Japanese name, written in a stylized script, surrounded by a circle, which represents the peace and harmony of the prefectural citizen. It was chosen by contest in 1932.
The prefectural logo (
see right) expands from the red dot into the center to the outer two lines and, finally, the yellow plain. This symbol was chosen in 1991 for the development and expansion of the prefecture.
The prefecture also has two plants (the
milk vetchAstragalus is a large genus of about 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere...
and the
Japanese yewTaxus cuspidata is a member of the genus Taxus, native to Japan, Korea, northeast China and the extreme southeast of Russia....
) and two animals (the snow grouse and the
ayuThe or sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, is an amphidromous fish, the only species in the genus Plecoglossus and in family Plecoglossidae. It is a relative of the smelts and is placed in the order Osmeriformes...
) as symbols. The milk vetch was chosen in 1954, because the prefecture is well known for its abundance of blooming milk vetch each spring. The yew was chosen in 1966, because it is the tree used to make ornamental sceptors for the emperor, many of which came from the Hida district. The snow grouse was chosen in 1961, as the birds live up in the Japanese alps and is a nationally-protected species. Ayu were chosen in 1989, because the fish is found in many prefectural rivers and is prized for its sweet taste.
External links